North Wales Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the beauty of North Wales on a 4-day road trip from Machynlleth to Conwy. This 136-mile journey takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes and historical sites in the region. Start in Machynlleth and drive to Dolgellau, a small market town with a rich history and some great views of the surrounding countryside. From there, continue to Caernarfon, a town with a 13th century castle. Enjoy the views of the mountains, rivers, and forests as you make your way to Conwy, a walled town with a wealth of historical sites.
The best time to take this trip is between April and October, when the weather is mild and the roads are in good condition. Be aware that some sections of the route can be quite curvy and narrow, and that seasonal road closures may occur due to bad weather.
This road trip offers a unique experience and is suitable for all drivers. With a moderate budget, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of North Wales and create lasting memories.
4
number of days
218 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the left
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Machynlleth
Distance 218 km
Driving time 4.7 h
Pace: modest
56.6 kWh
Airports
VLY
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CEG
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Machynlleth is a small market town located in Powys, Wales, and is the perfect starting point for the North Wales Road Trip. The town is a great example of Welsh culture and history, with its well-preserved streets, cobbled alleys and ancient buildings. It's also home to many interesting sights, such as the Owain Glyndwr Centre, which is dedicated to the famous Welsh leader, and the Dyfi Osprey Project, which offers amazing views of the birds in their natural habitat. The town also has a lively arts and music scene, with a range of festivals and concerts throughout the year. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Birmingham International Airport (BHX), with car rentals available. From there, you can easily travel to Machynlleth and begin your North Wales Road Trip.
1
Machynlleth
- Dolgellau
Distance 55 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: modest
14.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a 34mi road trip through the beautiful Welsh countryside, starting in Machynlleth and ending in Dolgellau. The drive should take less than an hour, but be sure to take your time and enjoy the winding and narrow roads. Along the way, you'll pass through Tywyn, a charming seaside resort town. Here, you can visit the Talyllyn Railway, the world's first preserved railway. After that, you'll arrive in Dolgellau, a historic market town surrounded by lush greenery. Take a stroll through the town's narrow streets and admire the old buildings. For a truly unique experience, visit the ruins of Cymer Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery. This is just one stage of your Welsh adventure, so be sure to check the Itinerary for more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the way.
Dolgellau - Wales - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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2
Dolgellau
- Harlech
Distance 32 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
8.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip starting in Dolgellau, Wales and ending in Harlech? This 20 mi stretch of road is certainly worth the drive! You will be able to explore the breathtaking scenery of the region in less than an hour.
The journey starts in Dolgellau, a charming market town with a long history. You can explore the ruins of Dolgellau Castle and visit the 15th-century St Mary’s Church. You can also take a stroll along the River Dovey or take a boat trip to explore the area.
Continue your journey to Harlech, a town with an impressive castle perched atop a rocky outcrop. The town has a beautiful beach and a golf course, as well as a range of shops and cafes. Make sure to visit the Harlech Castle, a World Heritage site, and take a guided tour of the castle.
It’s easy to find accommodation, restaurants and campsites along the route. Make sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. Enjoy your road trip!
Harlech - Wales - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipedia in Interlingua
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3
Harlech
- Caernarfon
Distance 58 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: modest
15.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Harlech to Caernarfon! This scenic 36mi drive will take you less than 2 hours, but it's best to take your time to fully appreciate the stunning landscape of Snowdonia National Park.
On your journey, don't forget to stop at Harlech Castle, a World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive fortresses in Wales. Then, you'll pass through the beautiful village of Barmouth, where you can take a stroll along the beach.
Continue your journey through the winding roads and steep ramps of Snowdonia until you reach the town of Beddgelert. Here, you can take a walk around the picturesque village and visit the grave of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llewelyn.
Finally, you'll arrive at Caernarfon, a historic town with a majestic castle and a beautiful harbour. Be sure to take a tour of the castle to explore its medieval walls and towers.
Please note that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally and that the road is narrow in some places.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Caernarfon - Wales - Europe - Road Trip - www.needpix.com
Caernarfon - Wales - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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4
Caernarfon
- Betws y Coed
Distance 49 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: modest
12.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the road trip stage that starts in Caernarfon, Wales and ends in Betws y Coed, a journey of only 31 miles that will take you less than an hour. Along the way, you'll be able to discover the best of Wales, from the historical sites of Caernarfon, to the picturesque landscapes of Snowdonia National Park.
As you make your way through Bangor, be sure to take a few moments to admire the beautiful views of the Menai Strait. Once you arrive in Snowdonia National Park, you'll be able to explore its stunning mountain ranges, lakes, and forests. You can also visit the mountain peak of Snowdon, the highest point in Wales.
Finally, your journey will end in the charming village of Betws y Coed. Here, you can take in the scenic views of the River Conwy, as well as the many shops and cafes in the area.
No matter which route you take, you're sure to be mesmerized by the beauty of Wales. For more information on attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites, please refer to the itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Betws y Coed - Wales - Europe - Road Trip - www.needpix.com
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5
Betws y Coed
- Conwy
Distance 23 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
6.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip in Betws y Coed, Wales, and drive through the stunning Snowdonia National Park. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountains and lakes, and take a moment to appreciate the historical sites along the way. The 15 mile drive will take you less than an hour, but be sure to keep an eye out for the narrow sections of the road. As you drive, you'll be able to spot some of the most interesting places in the area, like the Conwy Castle, the Bodnant Garden and the Sychnant Pass Country Park. All of these places are worth a visit, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the sights. When you reach Conwy, you'll have completed the stage of your road trip, but there is still much more to explore. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Conwy - Wales - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
Conwy - Wales - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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Conwy
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Conwy is a delightful town located in the north of Wales, offering a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Situated on the banks of the River Conwy, the town is the perfect ending point for a road trip around North Wales.
The town is home to a 13th century castle, which is an iconic landmark in the area and the best preserved medieval castle in Wales. Visitors can explore the grounds and the tower, or take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the castle. The nearby Plas Mawr Elizabethan town house is also a popular attraction, offering a glimpse into the 16th century.
Conwy also boasts a variety of outdoor activities and leisure facilities, from mountain biking and walking trails to golf courses, as well as a range of water sports. The town's quayside is a great place to relax and take in the views, with a range of cafes, restaurants, and pubs to choose from.
The town can be easily reached by car, with the A55 road running close to the town. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), located around an hour's drive away.
Conwy is the perfect ending point for a road trip around North Wales and offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking to explore the town's history or take part in some outdoor activities, Conwy has something for everyone.
Conwy - Wales - Europe - Road Trip - www.publicdomainpictures.net
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North Wales Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Machynlleth
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End:
Conwy
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Distance:
218 km
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Stay:
4 days
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Getting there:
Anglesey Airport (VLY),
Hawarden Airport (CEG)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
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